New Webinar Explores Fundamentals of Fire Dynamics Training

A recently broadcast webinar focuses on the always-evolving essentials of fire dynamics training and how to prepare your cadre for such scenarios.

A new TargetSolutions-sponsored webinar delivered by Firehouse.com presents an overview of fire dynamics training and how it can benefit the fire service. Developing & Implementing a Comprehensive Fire Dynamics Training Program originally aired on December 5 and is currently available for streaming. Hosted by Fire Behavior Instructor Ian Bolton from the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (British Columbia), the 80-minute webinar offers a rich selection of topics pertaining to fire dynamics training and how preparing for such instances can protect battalions everywhere.

Bolton defines fire dynamics training as “the study of how fires start, grow and spread.” Utilizing a collection of graphics, videos, charts, and other forms of multimedia, Bolton plows through the essentials of evolving fire behavior as it pertains to the fire service.

Emphasis is placed upon the importance of maintaining fire dynamics training through quality instruction. The problem, however, is that this type of training is still relatively new to the fire service. “We don’t need good instructors, we need great instructors,” said Bolton. “There’s not a lot of material out there that can help us train fire behavior and fire dynamics.”

Topics covered in this webinar include:

Fire Service Culture and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory

Legacy Fuel vs. Modern Fuel

Instructor Development

Fire Behavior Training

Modern Fire Environment

Health & Safety

Live Fire Training

Citing Robert De Niro’s arson-investigating character from the 1991 blockbuster Backdraft, Bolton certifies the notion that fires are always evolving due to the continuous advancement in the fuels that power them. “Fires move not because of physics but because it wants to,” said Bolton. “We use a lot of that language when we talk about fire as well.”

“Fire does not respond based on greed, ideology, or hatred. Fire responds based on physical and chemical limitations that govern our world and the variables that influence it. Fire is very predictable when we can understand those pieces and gather information on the fireground.”

The importance of training and preparing for such events is stressed throughout the presentation, particularly when it comes to live fire training. As Bolton points out, it’s imperative that companies aren’t being set up for failure, hence the need to always review these fire dynamic fundamentals.